Trump criticises Pope Leo over Iran conflict and immigration stance, deepening rift between the US president and Vatican leadership.
- +Trump Slams Pope Leo As ‘Weak On Crime’ And ‘Terrible’ On Foreign Policy
Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticising the pontiff’s positions on foreign policy, immigration and security.
Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticising the pontiff’s positions on foreign policy, immigration and security.
In a post on Truth Social late Sunday, the US president wrote: “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
The comments follow repeated criticism by Leo, the first US-born pope, of Washington’s handling of the US-Israeli war on Iran and its immigration policies.
“Leo should get his act together as Pope,” Trump added, later telling reporters he was “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader.
Trump also accused the pontiff of being “weak on nuclear weapons,” days after Leo condemned threats to destroy Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable.”
During a Palm Sunday address at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, the pope denounced leaders who fuel conflict.
He said God rejects the prayers of those who start wars and have their “hands full of blood,” describing the conflict in Iran as “atrocious.”
Leo has urged the US president to find an “off-ramp” to de-escalate tensions and “decrease the amount of violence.”
In his social media post, Trump also suggested Leo’s election was politically motivated.
“He was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”
The Vatican has not issued an official response to the remarks.
Beyond foreign policy, Leo has repeatedly challenged Trump’s stance on immigration, calling for more humane treatment of migrants.
“Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” the pope said last September.
Trump, however, defended his position, arguing stricter immigration controls are necessary to tackle crime.
“He’s a very liberal person and he’s a man who doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” he told reporters.
The latest exchange adds to a history of tensions between Trump and the Catholic Church leadership. Trump also clashed with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, during his first presidential campaign, when the late pontiff criticised his immigration proposals.
